Air Fryer Recipe
Ras El Hanout Chicken Thighs
This Ras El Hanout chicken thighs recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to enjoy North African cuisine using an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 2 tablespoons Ras El Hanout
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
Method
- In a bowl, mix together the Ras El Hanout, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Why this works in an air fryer
Air frying uses rapid convection to create a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy, as the hot air circulates evenly around the chicken thighs.
Equipment notes
Assumes a standard 5.5-litre basket. In a dual-zone air fryer, cook in one zone to maintain even heat; adjust time if using both zones.
Common pitfalls
- Chicken not browning by minute 15? Increase temperature by 10°C; the air fryer may be underpowered.
- Marinade pooling at the bottom? Pat chicken dry before air frying to prevent steaming.
- Undercooked near the bone? Use a meat thermometer to check for 75°C internal temperature before removing.
Variations & substitutions
- Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking; reduce time by 5 minutes.
- Substitute Ras El Hanout with garam masala for an Indian twist, adjusting salt to taste.
- Replace olive oil with yoghurt for a tangier marinade, but expect less crispiness.
Storage & reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 5-7 minutes; keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 250